De Jager named SA Player of the Year

Springbok and Free State Cheetahs lock Lood de Jager was on Thursday evening named SA Rugby Player of the Year for 2015.

The 23-year-old becomes the youngest player to walk away with the prestigious award since 22-year-old Bryan Habana won it back in 2005.

“Personally, I had an unbelievable year with the Springboks, although it was a bit up and down for the team,” said De Jager.

“But a lot of younger players gained invaluable experience and this bodes well for the future of the South African game, we just have to now go out and use it in 2016.

“I’m excited for a big season ahead, with a lot of challenges, and I’m sure we can all make a difference this year.”

De Jager beat out fellow nominees Damian de Allende, Eben Etzebeth, Schalk Burger and Jaco Kriel for the honour, though neither Kriel or de Allende walked away empty-handed.

Kriel was named both the Players’ Player of the Year and the Absa Currie Cup Premier Division Player of the Year for leading the Golden Lions to victory in the domestic competition.

De Allende, meanwhile, walked away with the Vodacom Super Rugby Player of the Year award.

The Xerox Golden Lions were deservedly named the Absa Team of the Year, while Johan Ackermann won the Absa Coach of the Year for the second season in a row.

The Bulls' Jesse Kriel was also honoured, winning the Absa Young Player of the Year award, while Werner Kok was named the World Rugby’s Sevens Player of the Year.

“I would like to congratulate Lood and all the other winners on their achievements in 2015,” said SA Rugby President, Oregan Hoskins.

“We may not have achieved the results we wanted, but when one looks back at the achievements of these and other individuals, their conduct on the field and off it, and the way in which they acted as ambassadors for their teams and their country, you cannot help but feel proud.

“It’s encouraging to see the relative youth of so many of the winners and nominees, something that certainly bodes well for the future of the Springboks and South African rugby as a whole.